Messi Nears Sixth World Cup Appearance as Argentina Eyes Historic Title Defense

Lionel Messi had the chance to conclude his World Cup career on a high note in 2022, yet he is now poised to participate in a record sixth edition of the tournament.

The veteran Argentine forward, nearing his 200th international match, had stated four years ago that the Qatar World Cup would be his last.

In Qatar, Messi displayed his unique talent by leading Argentina to the championship, scoring four goals, including two in the thrilling final against France.

Following that victory, which appeared to mark the peak of his career, Messi said, "Obviously, I wanted to finish my career this way. I couldn't ask for more."

However, the 39-year-old forward, who will reach that age later this month, admitted a desire to continue playing as the reigning world champion. Ultimately, he could not resist the lure of football's biggest stage and was named last month among the 26 players selected by Lionel Scaloni.

Messi remains Argentina's standout star as the three-time World Cup winners seek to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

After a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland in Alabama last week, Messi said, "I have been enjoying it from the start. I am happy. I enjoy every moment and am as excited as ever."

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had been cautious about his participation in the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

He explained, "There were doubts because of what I said in the previous World Cup; I thought it would be difficult for me to play again given the number of years that would have to pass."

He added, "But I started feeling good, and I was taking things day by day, as I always said. I had the chance to play, regain my rhythm, get minutes, and keep feeling good, and everything happened naturally."

Since moving from Europe to the United States in 2023 after two disappointing seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is no longer the player he once was.

Playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami means he no longer competes weekly at the highest level. Yet his performance has been notable, scoring 13 goals in 16 matches in 2026 and helping his team secure its first league title last season.

Concerns about his fitness arose after he was substituted in Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia last month due to a hamstring injury. However, he dispelled those worries by playing 20 minutes for Argentina against Iceland, scoring a penalty immediately after entering the match.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has added further titles with Argentina since the last World Cup, leading the team to victory in the 2024 Copa América held in the United States. He was also the top scorer in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Recently, Messi stated, "I love playing football, and I will continue doing so until I can no longer."

Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager in 2006 in Germany and later led Argentina to the 2014 final in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 in extra time to Germany.

He is expected to become Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and the third player to reach 200 international appearances, after Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, if he plays as anticipated against Algeria in Kansas City, United States, on Tuesday in the first round of Group 10.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, is also preparing to participate in his sixth World Cup.

Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez told the FIFA website, "We all fully understand that this might be Leo’s last World Cup, considering his age, but ultimately, the decision is his."

He added, "It will definitely be a special World Cup, not only for us, his teammates, and the Argentine people, but for everyone watching and following him, given that he is the greatest player in history. He has had an enormous impact worldwide."